Ulsoor turns a deathbed for fish

BENGALURU: In less than two months, yet another case of en masse fish deaths has been reported in Ulsoor lake on Tuesday, due to the laxity on part of the officials to contain the inflow of sewage into the water body. Large number of dead fish were found floating near Madras Engineering Group (MEG) area.

Eyewitness said that fish death has been happening for the last two days and have accumulated towards MEG area, thereby emanating foul odour. Heavy inflow of sewage during the pre-monsoon showers into the lake and increased breeding of fish have led to a drop in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the lake.

This is being cited as a reason for fish deaths. Sources in Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) said the level of dissolved oxygen was below 1 mg/litre on Tuesday, as against the limit of 4mg/litre set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

There is a need to build sewerage treatment plant on a top priority. The BBMP has been instructed to clean the dead fish to avoid further contamination and to maintain hygiene in the area.

Ulsoor corporator Mamatha Saravana said the officials have failed to curb the inflow of sewage water into the lake. In addition, the fisheries department authorities have allowed the contractors to rear large number of fish leading to lack of oxygen. In the wake of National Green Tribunal ruling the authorities have to maintain Ulsoor lake cleanliness, she said.

Bellandur Lake
The government has formed 18-member expert committee for the comprehensive development of the Bellandur lake and is expected to submit a report to the government in six months.

Bellandur is one of the largest lakes of the city, but due to rapid urbanization the catchment area of the lake has depleted. About 40 per cent of the waste from layouts, industrial effluents, IT and BT areas reach the lake without being treated. The lake has been contaminated to an extent that it froths and even catches fire.